NEW LUMIAS TO BE AVAILABLE FOR CHEAP

Microsoft launches affordable Lumia 435, Lumia 532

Lumia 435

Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled two new low-cost smartphones aimed at pushing its Windows Phone operating system to users in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The two Lumia handsets -- made by the unit of Finnish- based Nokia which Microsoft acquired last year -- will begin rolling out in February, with prices starting at 69 to 79 euros (USD 81 to USD 93).

Lumia 532

      

Read More

A CHALLENGE TO IPHONE

China's Xiaomi challenges iPhone 6 Plus with new flagship Mi Note

China's Xiaomi Inc [XTC.UL] staked its claim to Apple Inc's crown on Thursday as the world's third-biggest smartphone maker and most valuable tech start-up unveiled the flagship Mi Note, its challenger to Apple's iPhone 6 Plus.Chief Executive Lei Jun introduced the Mi Note in Beijing with a breakdown of the large-screen phone's technical features, with multiple comparisons to Apple's equivalent. At 2299 yuan (244 pounds) for a model with 16 gigabytes of memory, the Mi Note will retail for almost two-thirds less than the iPhone 6 Plus.

Read More